Belgium’s win over Russia has given a boost to the Jupiler League but it hasn’t pleased Genk’s Franky Vercauteren. He’s said to be furious about the condition of his strikers – Jelle Vossen and Marvin Ogunjimi – when they returned to Genk from Russia on Thursday. They were both complaining about injuries even though Vossen only played for 10 minutes and Ogunjimi didn’t make it on to the pitch. Ogunjimi is doubtful – as I write – and may be left out against bottom club Charleroi. Genk should take three points but Charleroi are just back from a week in Malaga and could be refreshed enough to cause an upset.
Anderlecht visit Germinal Beerschot, now coached by their ex-player Glen De Boeck. Beerschot have only taken two points from their last six games and surprisingly De Boeck appears to be keeping faith in error-prone defender Victor Wanyama (19) – who insists he’s a midfield specialist. Jonathan Legear is again doubtful for Anderlecht.
Ghent should have no problem with Westerlo but fourth place Standard Liege have a tricky visit to Zulte Waregem who have had a mini-revival since Hugo Broos’s arrival. Lokeren have been quietly moving up the table under Peter Maes but they meet a KN Mechelen side that is also in form. It could be a battle royal at Daknam.
At the bottom, Eupen welcome Kortrijk and despite their lowly position, several Eupen players appear to be transfer targets for bigger clubs. Lierse – with Radzinski but without Nicaise – should get three easy points against Sint Truiden and in the last game of the weekend – on Sunday, Club and Cercle Brugge meet at the Jan Breydel stadium. The clubs share the ground but this is officially a home game for the ‘senior’ team. Club Brugge should be too strong for their neighbours and in-form striker Ronald Vargas could get closer to leading scorer Jelle Vossen.